Hands-on with Canon's EOS 1Ds Mark III

It took us a while to track down Canon's outdoor booth-in-a-tent, but we finally got the sweet, sweet hands-on action we've been waiting for with the company's latest. The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is pretty much as beefy as its name implies, and while we're fairly unqualified to form an expert opinion on the unit, we'd have to say it's pretty badass. We're going to say the Nikons we played with yesterday performed a meatier shutter click, but we'll leave the rest of the opinions to those more practiced in the art.

[LennyC @ Sep 1st 2007 8:58AM]

If anyone wants a more expert opinion, Phil Askey's site, www.dpreview.com is excellent. His full reviews are very comprehensive, taking in both scientific (resolution targets) and actual photos, as well as comparisons to other cameras in the class. Another, more professionally oriented site, is www.robgalbraith.com. This site has information that is geared to the more serious amateur/professional, but will often discuss issues found nowhere else on the web.

BTW, I check Engadget everyday - I'm a total gadget head, ex-commercial photographer, now relaxing in pharma sales -----

[humpty @ Sep 1st 2007 9:52AM]

I think Canon was completely caught off guard with the D3... its 3k less and beats it in all specs aside from number of pixels. Add to that, the 6 new pro lenses.. and its going to be a tough year for Canon; they've already lost the top dSLR manufacturer title.

[Tom Boucher @ Sep 1st 2007 11:42AM]

Why not save the idiotic 'mine is bigger than yours' statements until some real reviews come out?

[Jeff P. @ Sep 1st 2007 3:48PM]

Well, aside from the fact that Photojournalists and sports photographers (myself) are dropping Nikon for Canon in droves everything is peachy for Nikon. By the way, a "meatier shutter click" is NOT a good feature. I want my camera (EOS 5D) to be quiet. Photographers don't always want to advertise their presence.

[Michael Christoffersen @ Sep 1st 2007 11:14AM]

You've done it wrong, Mr. Miller. Ypour post lacks the Gallery preview thingie.

Cheers,
Michael C.

[Michael Christoffersen @ Sep 1st 2007 11:17AM]

P?! Ugh. Seems like my post went a bit too fast though my system too. :P

[Ryan @ Sep 1st 2007 2:45PM]

This is just freakin' sweet! Cant wait to see one in person. I wonder if the current L lenses can keep up with that much recorded pixels. There was talk about that already with the 1DS Mark II. This camera will potentially bridge the gap between 35mm size DSLRs and the medium format Hassies and Mamiyas w/ digital backs.

[Josh @ Sep 1st 2007 4:13PM]

I think that they were only encountering resolution limits on the relatively older L glass (28-70) , most of the newer lenses should be fine. Then again, no one has ever tested them on a 21mp behemoth besides canon. I'm sure they wouldn't release a pro camera that made all of their pro lenses run in fear.

However i have never touched a 1Ds of any flavor before so i couldn't say i am well versed past the technical specifications.

Interesting how Canon has jumped into a new market just as nikon became ruler of the area of the MKII s - good to see the competition.

[Ryan @ Sep 1st 2007 6:48PM]

Yeah we will just have to wait and see. I still wont ever be able to justify $8000 for my use. The largest print I have ever had requested is a 40x60 for a mural in a corporate office. My 5D with the 85mm F1.2L II suited me just fine. I dont think the majority will be using all 21 megapixel but who knows. Some people buy the latest and greatest simply for status or whatever so they can say they shoot with the best.

[Taylor Alexander @ Sep 1st 2007 5:08PM]

yeah, also chiming in that "meatier" shutter click is a bad thing... I was a photojournalist for 3 years and a general photog for 4...
-Taylor